The Government of Canada has announced nearly $17 million in federal funding for two Indigenous-led hydropower projects in Quebec aimed at reducing diesel dependence and advancing community energy autonomy.
Brendan Hanley, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. The funding will support the 7.5MW Innavik Remote Hydro Project in Inukjuak and a feasibility initiative to develop a 17MW hydroelectric plant at the Matawin dam near Saint-Michel-des-Saints.
The Innavik Remote Hydro Project, a run-of-river facility, replaces nearly all diesel generation in the Nunavik community of Inukjuak. Jointly owned by the Pituvik Landholding Corporation and Innergex Renewable Energy, the project is the largest off-grid hydropower installation in Canada and supplies clean electricity to approximately 1800 residents.
The Matawak Hydroelectric Power Plant project, led by Énergie Matawak S.E.C., represents a partnership between the Atikamekw Nation of Manawan and the Innu Nation of Lac-Saint-Jean. Planned at the existing Hydro-Québec Matawin dam on the Lac Taureau reservoir, the 17MW plant would help meet local energy needs and generate long-term revenue for the participating Nations. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
Federal support comes through two programs: $14.9 million from the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program for Innavik, and over $1.7 million from the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) for Matawak.
Minister Hodgson said: “The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and supporting clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural and remote communities. In collaboration with governments, Indigenous partners and the energy sector, we are investing in initiatives to create economic growth in communities while tackling climate change.”
Hanley added: “I am proud to see the largest off-grid hydropower project in Canada come to life and the exploration of more community-led initiatives in Canada’s Northern regions. These projects are a powerful example of what’s possible when Indigenous leadership and community vision come together, not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on diesel but also to strengthen energy independence and create lasting social and economic benefits for communities. We are proud to support initiatives like this that build a cleaner, more inclusive energy future for all Canadians.”
Tommy Palliser, President of the Pituvik Landholding Corporation, said: “The Innavik Hydro Project is an affirmation of a sustainable future for the Inuit community of Inukjuak. The project realizes a 20-year vision for Inuit-led and co-owned clean energy infrastructure that generates impacts for the Inuit beneficiaries of our community, through proactive and positive partnership with Innergex Renewable Energy, supported by the Governments of Canada and Quebec.”
Michel Letellier, President and CEO of Innergex Renewable Energy, commented: “When Pituvik Landholding Corporation invited us to join them on this journey, we partnered closely with the people of Inukjuak to shape a project that reflects their vision and meets their needs. This project is a source of pride for all of us at Innergex because it directly improves daily life in Inukjuak while supporting the community’s long-term energy independence. We are grateful for the collaboration and confidence of our Inuit partners, and we thank everyone who worked to make the community’s vision a reality.”
“First Nations must be involved in the development of the resources on their territory,” emphasised Keith-Michel Flamand, President of Énergie Matawak S.E.C. “We all live together on this land and work in partnership, guided by harmony and mutual respect. The goal of Énergie Matawak is not only to produce energy but also to do so responsibly while protecting our environment. Our project is one that carries hope for the future.”
Lorena Patterson, President and CEO of WaterPower Canada, said, “This investment in Indigenous-led hydropower projects exemplifies the economic reconciliation our sector is committed to advancing. Through meaningful equity partnerships, our sector is fostering job creation, local economic growth and shared prosperity in Indigenous communities. Collaboration with Indigenous Peoples is integral to building the sustainable, reliable and clean energy infrastructure Canada needs to achieve its climate goals while ensuring Indigenous communities have a true stake in our energy future.”
Since its launch in 2018, the CERRC program has supported 229 projects across Canada to replace diesel generation in remote and Indigenous communities. It has a total budget of $453 million. The $4.5-billion SREPs program supports grid modernization, storage, and non-emitting generation initiatives nationwide.
At 7.5MW, Innavik is the largest commissioned project under the CERRC program and the largest remote community-scale renewable energy project in the country.
